Livestock tagging is an essential component of animal identification; However, the process must be carried out correctly to prevent the animal from being infected or losing its tag. Before you begin, check that you have the appropriate ear tags and the applicator for their application.
How to Apply Cattle Ear Tag?
1. Secure the animal
Strictly restrain the animal’s head movement throughout the marking procedure by securing it properly. By restricting head movement, any harm or injury inflicted upon the animal or human performing the tagging can be avoided. Utilize a cattle chute equipped with a head gate, harness, and/or snout lead for cattle. Execute hog boards, a hog snare, or a small cage to thoroughly ensnare the pig. For sheep and goats, secure the cranium in position by grasping it appropriately.
2. Disinfect
Maintaining appropriate hygiene practices is critical in order to prevent infections. In addition to the marking site in the ear, cleanse the applicator with disinfectant or rubbing alcohol.
3. Applicator
a. Select the best type of tag for your cattle.
Determine what kind of tag is optimal for your cattle. The most prevalent and cost-effective method of identification utilized by small-lot producers is standard plastic tags. A broad, flat display panel bearing an easily readable ID number characterizes these. Additionally, modern electronic identification systems (EIDs) exist, enabling ranchers to remotely monitor their livestock through the use of specialized radio frequencies.
The determination of the most suitable tag type could be influenced by factors such as the dimensions of your livestock, the grazing area allocated, or the financial investment required to simplify the identification procedure.
When tagging an animal for the first time, be sure to record its purchase date and age on paper, just in case the tag is misplaced.
b. Clean the applicator to decrease the risk of infection.
Cleaning the applicator reduces the risk of infection. For the health and safety of your livestock, it is critical to sterilize all materials that may come into contact with the cow’s ears before use. The pin (male) and clip (female) parts should be disinfected with rubbing alcohol or a chlorhexidine or betadine solution. This will aid in eliminating any bacteria that may be present. For additional protection, you may also wipe the interior and outer surfaces of the cow’s ear with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or cloth. Ensure that none of the solution enters the ear canal via drip-effect.
c. Load the two halves of the tag into the applicator.
The two halves of the tag should be loaded into the applicator. Attach the pointed stud located at the rear of the visual panel to the elongated and slender pin. After that, insert the lining or button into the fastener on the applicator’s opposite limb. Before continuing, ensure that both components are completely introduced and securely fastened.
Frequently, marking new applicator tools with diagram labels that specify the proper loading procedure and designated location for each component is observed.
Ensure the tag panel is oriented in a direction opposite to the male implant piece, thereby enabling visibility of the tag from the external aspect of the cattle ear.
d. Tagging site
Identify where the tag is on the ear. Tags should go in the middle part of the ear, between the top and bottom ribs. If you put tags too far outside of the recommended area, they could get caught and come off. On the other hand, putting tags too far inside an animal’s ear could pinch it or cause it to die.
Stick the visible panel (male part) of the electronic identity (EID) tag to the back of the ear on the outside and the EID button (female part) of the tag inside the ear.
4. Applying the Tag
a. Position the applicator over the tagging site.
Put the applicator on top of the area that needs to be tagged. If you want to stretch and flatten the cow’s ear, use the other hand to hold the applicator. The device’s jaws should be just above the soft middle part of the ear that you pointed out earlier.
Keep away from cartilage, obvious blood veins, and any other delicate structures; stick to the soft tissue instead.
b. Clamp the applicator shut firmly and quickly.
Clamp the applicator to close quickly and firmly. Make one smooth movement as you squeeze the handles together. When the two halves of the tag come together, you’ll hear a loud click. Release both of the handles and pull the applicator away once the tag is in place. Converse gently to the cow and stroke its head and neck to keep it calm while its pain goes away. Do not touch its ears, though. You need to move quickly to put the tag on the cow before it turns its head.
Do not press down on the application handles until you are ready to put the tag in. If you can’t put the tag on correctly the first time, it will only cause pain.
c. Inspect the finished tag.
Examine the completed tag. Verify that the tag is positioned properly, is securely fastened, and is not causing the cow any apparent discomfort. It is advisable to record the animal’s distinct identifying code or number, just in case any modifications to the tags become necessary in the future.
The visual display of an electronic identification device (EID) must be positioned on the outer portion of the ear, where it is readily visible.
5. Tag the other ear if preferred
Tag the opposite ear if preferred. Many ranchers identify their cattle on both ears so that the information is visible from either side. Certain individuals even incorporate an EID or RFID device in addition to conventional tags. Should you determine that a second marking must be applied, proceed with the procedure in the same manner as the initial one.
6. Release the cattle
Leave the cattle. Once the tag is properly positioned, the animal should be released from the chute and untethered from its lead rope. The affixed device is anticipated to maintain its position for a number of years, facilitating the monitoring, characterization, and accounting for the bovine in conjunction with the remaining livestock.